Wightman welcomes consultation on repeal of  Division of Commonties Act 1695

Andy Wightman MSP, land reform spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, has welcomed confirmation that the Scottish Law Commission will consider the repeal of an archaic piece of legislation which allowed landowners to divide and privatise vast swathes of common land.

In January this year Green MSPs lodged amendments to the Land Reform Bill seeking to repeal the Division of Commonties Act 1695, resulting in ministers announcing a review of common land legislation.

Mr Wightman said: “Confirmation from the Cabinet Secretary for Land Reform that the repeal of this unfair law will soon be consulted on by the commission is very welcome. Greens put pressure on ministers to take action and it’s pleasing to see that pressure is continuing to have a positive effect.

“Repealing the Commonties Act will begin to correct a historic wrong, with local communities finally able to have access to parcels of land that can be used for local priorities. Scottish Greens will continue to press for bolder action on land reform, and we look forward to further opportunities in this session of Parliament.”